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• HIE is NOT the same thing as cerebral palsy. HIE is a pathophysiological diagnosis that causes a lack of oxygen, restricting blood flow and affecting the brain, with different causes leading to HIE.

• HIE can cause Cerebral Palsy.

• Not every child who experiences HIE develops CP; only about 40%.

• HIE-caused CP only makes up about 10-15% of ALL CP cases. Most are caused by other types of brain injuries, stroke, prematurity, brain bleeds, genetic causes, etc.

• Cerebral Palsy is a neurological motor disorder and the most common one diagnosed in childhood. It can affect any muscle and has a range of severity.

• Just like there is no cure for HIE, there is no cure for CP. There are, however, a bunch of therapies and treatments, and more are being developed every day!

• Cerebral palsy doesn’t affect cognition. Although some people carry a dual diagnosis, many people living with CP have typical cognition.

• Life may look different, but life is still good. Perpetuating stigmas of CP being something “bad” or something to pity aren’t helpful for those who live with this condition, but being aware of how we can improve accessibility and inclusion for those who have CP is helpful!

If you’re looking for reliable information about cerebral palsy, the NINDS Cerebral Palsy Information Page is a great place to start. It covers what CP is, what causes it, common symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and different treatment options. It’s filled with helpful, research-based information to support families and caregivers.

General Information on Cerebral Palsy

CP can affect each person differently, and there are several types based on how it impacts movement. Each type of CP comes with its own challenges, but understanding these differences can help guide treatment and support.

More Information on Types of Cerebral Palsy

Diagnosis for cerebral palsy should be made as soon as suspected. For a long time, many physicians were hesitant to diagnose before the age of two, but as we know, early intervention therapies are very important for the overall development of children with neurological conditions. Many physicians and researchers, including Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan, who serves on our Medical Advisory Board, are leading change and opening discussions on this issue.

Criteria typically include some imaging, such as an MRI, a medical history, and a clinical presentation assessment of how a child moves, what their muscles are doing, if they have spasticity, dystonia, or hypotonia.

As a child develops, many physicians and therapists will assess them according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

This system, developed by CanChild, has corresponding benchmarks as children age that may be helpful to parents as well to get an idea of where their child is in their development. Children often can and do move up classifications as they develop and work through therapies.

GMFCS ages 0-18

Descriptors and Illustrations ages 6-18

• The Diagnostic Journey of Cerebral Palsy with Dr. Edward Hurvitz: Dr. Edward Hurvitz, a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician/Physiatrist at the University of Michigan, joined Hope for HIE LIVE to discuss the diagnostic journey of cerebral palsy, the multiple pathways of care available to those with CP, and the integral role a PM&R plays throughout the patient’s life experience! 

• Cell Therapies, Early Detection Measures of Cerebral Palsy, and HIE with Dr. Atul Malhotra: A neonatologist at Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital and research academic at Monash University, Dr. Malhotra joined Hope for HIE in a live Q&A to break down the complex topics of cell therapies and early detection measures for cerebral palsy.

• Fact vs. Fiction – Lucca’s World on Netflix brings Representation to HIE, Cerebral Palsy: It’s important for viewers, and especially families in the Hope for HIE and cerebral palsy communities, to know what makes a good Hollywood story and what is rooted in reality from the lived experiences of the family the movie it is based on, especially when an experimental therapy is specifically mentioned.

• HIE Peer Perspectives – Cerebral Palsy: This session features three HIE parents who share their experiences raising children with HIE and CP. They talk about the challenges, the wins, and what they’ve learned along the way—all in an open, supportive conversation.